Wrestling Prep Podcast

In this episode of the Wrestling Prep Podcast, Carolyn Wester, Drew Morgan, and Coach Cornell Robinson have an honest conversation about what happens when adult egos begin to outweigh athlete development, and the real consequences that follow. Carolyn and Cornell start by laying out the coaching principles that get lost when winning, perception, or control become the priority: serving the athlete, protecting long-term academic and personal growth, and maintaining ethical leadership even when it costs a coach professionally. Cornell then shares his firsthand experience navigating a situation where internal politics and power struggles ultimately led to his removal as head coach, despite clear athlete outcomes and progress during his tenure. Throughout the discussion, the group reflects on how rumor, fear, and “us vs. them” thinking damage programs, erode trust, and place kids in the middle of adult conflicts they never asked for. They also explore how experienced coaches develop perspective over time, learning to prioritize trajectory over individual results, and people over optics. In this Episode Vidal, Cheche (2024) Fair Competition: Sports competition and the pursuit of excellence as the essence of modern sports Want to learn more about Coach Wester and Wrestling Prep? Instagram: @wrestlingprep Website: wrestlingprep.com Online courses: courses.wrestlingprep.com

Coach Carolyn Wester shares highlights from a busy season of camps, clinics, and high-level training across the country. Over the summer, she coached in Kentucky, Montana, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, drawing athletes from 38 states and five countries, and led a Coaches Clinic that combined on-mat technical progress with open conversations about communication and athlete development. She then visited Driveline Baseball in Tampa, where motion-capture data reinforced the principles behind her body-leveraging system. From early morning sessions with national-level wrestlers to ongoing work with elite fighters, Carolyn reflects on a stretch of coaching that emphasized movement structure, positional strength, and the mindset needed to turn practice into competition success.   Want to learn more about Coach Wester and Wrestling Prep? Instagram: @wrestlingprep Website: wrestlingprep.com Online courses: courses.wrestlingprep.com

In this engaging conversation, Cornell Robinson, a renowned wrestling coach with extensive experience leading U.S. age-group teams, teams up with Coach Carolyn Wester. They delve into the importance of prioritizing skill development over frequent competition, sharing insights on how this approach fosters long-term success. The duo discusses nurturing a love for wrestling in young athletes and the necessity of adapting coaching methods to cultivate both passion and expertise. They challenge traditional training philosophies, emphasizing injury-conscious practices and the value of lifelong learning in the coaching journey.

Tennie McCarty, a seasoned trauma and addiction recovery expert at Shades of Hope, joins the conversation to tackle the complexities of parental influence in youth sports. She reveals how unresolved issues in parents can harm athletes' growth and advocates for healthy communication and boundaries. The discussion covers the impact of expectations on eating habits, the intertwining of mental health and long-term success in wrestling, and the critical need for trauma support in young athletes, urging a shift towards empowerment in the sport.

Head Coach Carolyn Wester tackles the essential contrast between avoidance and acceptance in athlete development. She explores how wishful thinking and emotional deflection hinder progress, urging athletes and parents to embrace reality. The discussion highlights the importance of open communication, realistic goal-setting, and collaboration among coaches, parents, and athletes. By prioritizing emotional maturity and intentional planning, the conversation provides practical insights on fostering resilience and meaningful growth in sports.

Rob Setree, a second-degree black belt and co-founder of Criterion Jiu-Jitsu, joins Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner Mac Profumo to discuss body leveraging techniques that transform performance. They share insights on how these methods break past traditional training limitations, enhancing pressure control and athleticism. With a vision for Jiu-Jitsu's future focusing on effective body control, they inspire listeners to embrace these revolutionary techniques. Their discussion highlights the crucial balance of strength, technique, and tactical movement in grappling.

Discover the secrets to mastering body leveraging techniques in wrestling! Gain practical coaching strategies to enhance athlete performance, regardless of skill level. Hear success stories from recent competitions and learn how structured training can build muscle memory. Explore the art of minimal coaching, encouraging wrestlers to independently tackle challenges. Plus, get insights on upcoming summer camps and the importance of early registration for coaches and athletes alike!

Drew Morgan, a wrestling coach specializing in body leveraging and efficient training, joins the discussion on youth wrestling dynamics with Coach Carolyn Wester. They delve into the shift from competition-focused training to a model prioritizing collaboration and skill development. Carolyn emphasizes the role of parents as project managers in fostering diverse coaching perspectives. Drew highlights the importance of long-term athlete development through personalized training and adapting techniques to each wrestler's unique growth stage.

In this enlightening discussion, Melissa Richey, a pediatric nurse practitioner and mother of three wrestlers, shares her expertise on the emotional dynamics of young athletes. She emphasizes how wrestling shapes emotional growth and resilience, helping athletes to process feelings and manage performance anxiety. Melissa provides valuable strategies for parents, focusing on fostering healthy communication and supporting emotional well-being. The conversation also highlights the critical role of coaches in nurturing young athletes through triumphs and challenges.

Michael Pixley, a breakout star set for the 2024 ADCC World Championships, and Alejandro Wajner, a recent NOGI World Champion, discuss their successful transition from collegiate wrestling to professional Jiu-Jitsu. They delve into the transformative impact of Coach Carolyn Wester's Body Leveraging techniques during a training clinic. The duo shares how embracing innovative methods reenergized their coaching and increased engagement among young wrestlers, highlighting the importance of adaptability and community in their journeys.